How can university students register to vote?

January 6, 2020

As a university student, you will likely spend your time living between home and your university campus. As a result, you can be registered to vote at both addresses. This means when you that you do not need to be removed from the register at home.

Remember, however, that if you are not registered you can't vote.

Who can vote or register to vote?

In order to vote you need to be:

18 years or older

a British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union Member State citizen

be a resident at an address in the UK

To register you will need your name, address details, and National Insurance Number. You can find your National Insurance number on the following documents:

national insurance card

old payslips

How to find out if you are registered to vote

If you're not sure if you're registered to vote, you need to contact your local electoral registration office and ask them directly. You can find information with the GOV.UK website.

Can students really vote twice in Local Elections?

Yes you can. In local government elections, students are eligible to not only registered but also to vote at both their university and home addresses.

In General Elections for parliamentary seats, you can only vote once

Students can vote in a General Election using either their university or home address - it’s your choice.

It is legal to be registered at both addresses, but remember it is a criminal offense to vote twice. If you are registered at your home address but still at university or away at the time of the election you can use a postal vote or proxy vote.

Some Universities offer to include you on the Electoral Register

Some universities such as Sheffield, offer to enroll you to include you on the electoral register as part of your registration with the University. If you are unsure whether you have been enrolled then you need to contact your local electoral registration office and ask them directly.